Purpose

The National Network of Regional Coastal
Monitoring Programmes, and the Southeast Regional Coastal
Monitoring Programme are internationally recognised exemplar
monitoring programmes, which directly underpin national and
regional Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in
England.

Established in 2002, the continuation of the programme is essential
for coastal risk management, which requires consistent, high
quality and long-term data sets.

NFDC led on the development of the programme, and have acted as
lead coordinators for the Southeast, and National programmes since
their inception. There is continued support at the regional and
national levels for NFDC to continue this role.

The programme is funded 100% through Defra Grant in Aid, and the
financial risk to NFDC is low. However, the material and
reputational benefits of leading such a programme are
significant.

A recommendation is proposed that NFDC continue to act as the lead
coordinating authority for the Southeast Regional and National
programmes.

Decision

On Wednesday 7 May 2025, Cllr Geoffrey
Blunden, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability
made the following decision:

1. That NFDC continue to act as the Lead Coordinating Authority for
the Southeast Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme;

2.That the Portfolio Holder approve the continued integration of
the Southeast Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme into the
National Network of Regional Monitoring Programmes;

3.That NFDC continue to act as the Lead Coordinating Authority in
the development and management of Phase IV of the National Network
of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes; and

4.That NFDC continue to act as the Lead Authority in the
application to the Environment Agency for funding of Phase IV of
the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring
Programmes.

Any member of the Council, who is not a Portfolio Holder, who
considers that this decision should be reviewed should give notice
using the call-in facility at the top of this page on the
Council’s intranet / extranet site. Alternatively, notice can
be given to the Monitoring Officer (Tanya Coulter) (in writing or
by e-mail) to be received ON OR BY 5.15 pm on 14 May 2025.

Details of the document the Portfolio Holder considered are
attached below.